Orthodontics assisting system and index member and arranging device for use therein

ABSTRACT

An index member for indicating a reference position of a pre-correction dentition model having a dentition shape before orthodontics or a post-correction predictive dentition model having a predictive dentition shape after orthodontics, includes a plate-like body, and a projection provided on the plate-like body.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an orthodontics assisting system forassisting phased correction planning and the like of orthodontics byadjusting the display position of a teeth image included in atwo-dimensional or three-dimensional dentition image which is displayedon a screen, as well as an index member and an arranging device for usetherein.

BACKGROUND ART

[Patent Document 1] JP-A-2004-267790

In patent document 1, for example, an orthodontics assisting system isproposed in which a plaster-made pre-correction dentition modelfabricated by taking an impression from a patent's teeth beforeorthodontics is imaged by using a scanner such as a laser scanner togenerate pre-correction dentition image data, a pre-correction dentitionimage based on the generated pre-correction dentition image data ispresented so as to be visible by using a computer (including a CPU, amemory, a monitor, etc.), and a presumptive post-correction predictivedentition image after orthodontics is created by rearranging on thecomputer individual tooth images included in the presentedpre-correction dentition image while referring to a prescription and thelike prepared by a dentist. The three-dimensional images created by suchan orthodontics assisting system are used in such as the phasedcorrection planning of orthodontics and the fabrication of orthodonticmouthpieces.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems that the Invention is to Solve

Incidentally, in such an orthodontics assisting system, since images ofteeth included in the pre-correction dentition image are rearranged onthe computer to create a post-correction predictive dentition image, theimages of teeth included in the post-correction predictive dentitionimage are arranged respectively on the basis of only the pre-correctiondentition image on the computer, with the result that it is difficult toaccurately create a desired post-correction predictive dentition image.In addition, even if a pre-correction dentition model beforeorthodontics and a post-correction predictive dentition model afterorthodontics are respectively fabricated and are imaged to generate apre-correction dentition image and a post-correction predictivedentition image, the mutual positioning of the pre-correction dentitionimage and the post-correction predictive dentition image is difficult.

The present invention has been devised in view of the above-describedaspects, and its object is to provide an orthodontics assisting systemwhich makes it possible to accurately create a desired post-correctionpredictive dentition image, and makes it possible to simply andaccurately perform the mutual positioning of the pre-correctiondentition image and the post-correction predictive dentition image, aswell as an index member and an arranging device for use therein.

Means for Solving the Problems

An orthodontics assisting system in accordance with the inventioncomprises: index members which indicate respective reference positionsof a pre-correction dentition model having a dentition shape beforeorthodontics and a post-correction predictive dentition model having apredictive dentition shape after orthodontics; an arranging device forarranging said index members on the pre-correction dentition model andthe post-correction predictive dentition model, respectively, to causesaid index members to indicate the reference positions, respectively;image data generating means for generating pre-correction dentitionimage data including first index image data based on said index memberarranged on the pre-correction dentition model and post-correctionpredictive dentition image data including second index image data basedon said index member arranged on the post-correction predictivedentition model, by imaging the pre-correction dentition model and thepost-correction predictive dentition model, respectively, with saidindex members respectively arranged thereon by said arranging device;screen display means for screen-displaying a pre-correction dentitionimage and a post-correction predictive dentition image respectivelybased on the pre-correction dentition image data and the post-correctionpredictive dentition image data generated by said image data generatingmeans; position adjusting means for adjusting on the basis of the firstand second index image data mutual display positions of thepre-correction dentition image and the post-correction predictivedentition image which are screen-displayed by said screen display means;and tooth position adjusting means for extracting teeth image data fromthe pre-correction dentition image data and for adjusting displaypositions with respect to the post-correction predictive dentition imageof teeth images based on the extracted teeth image data.

According to the orthodontics assisting system in accordance with theinvention, the orthodontics assisting system is comprised of the indexmembers which indicate respective reference positions of thepre-correction dentition model having a dentition shape beforeorthodontics and the post-correction predictive dentition model having apredictive dentition shape after orthodontics; the arranging device forarranging the index members on the pre-correction dentition model andthe post-correction predictive dentition model, respectively, to causethe index members to indicate the reference positions, respectively; theimage data generating means for generating the pre-correction dentitionimage data including the first index image data based on the indexmember arranged on the pre-correction dentition model and thepost-correction predictive dentition image data including the secondindex image data based on the index member arranged on thepost-correction predictive dentition model, by imaging thepre-correction dentition model and the post-correction predictivedentition model, respectively, with the index members respectivelyarranged thereon by the arranging device; the screen display means forscreen-displaying the pre-correction dentition image and thepost-correction predictive dentition image respectively based on thepre-correction dentition image data and the post-correction predictivedentition image data generated by the image data generating means; theposition adjusting means for adjusting on the basis of the first andsecond index image data the mutual display positions of thepre-correction dentition image and the post-correction predictivedentition image which are screen-displayed by the screen display means;and the tooth position adjusting means for extracting the teeth imagedata from the pre-correction dentition image data and for adjustingdisplay positions with respect to the post-correction predictivedentition image of teeth images based on the extracted teeth image data.Therefore, it is possible to accurately create a desired post-correctionpredictive dentition image on the basis of the post-correctionpredictive dentition model. Moreover, the mutual positioning of thepre-correction dentition image and the post-correction predictivedentition image can be performed simply and accurately on the basis ofthe first and second index image data.

In a preferred example of the orthodontics assisting system inaccordance with the invention, the index member has a plate-like bodyand a projection provided on the plate-like body, and, more preferably,the projection of such an index member is semispherical. According tosuch preferred examples, since the index members are respectivelyprovided on the pre-correction dentition model and the post-correctionpredictive dentition model, in a case where the pre-correction dentitionmodel and the post-correction predictive dentition model are imaged asimage data for use in a computer or the like, the first index image datawhich clearly indicates the reference position of the pre-correctiondentition image based on the post-correction predictive dentition modeland the second index image data which clearly indicates the referenceposition of the post-correction predictive dentition image based on thepost-correction predictive dentition model can be obtained on the basisof the respective imaged index members. Hence, the mutual positioning ofthe display positions of the pre-correction dentition image based on thepre-correction dentition model and the post-correction predictivedentition image based on the post-correction predictive dentition modelcan be performed simply and accurately.

In another preferred example of the orthodontics assisting system inaccordance with the invention, the arranging device includes holdingmeans for holding the index members; supporting means which supports theholding means and is mounted on each of the model teeth of thepre-correction dentition model and the post-correction predictivedentition model; and a position adjusting mechanism for adjusting theposition of the holding means with respect to each of the pre-correctiondentition model and the post-correction predictive dentition model.According to such a preferred example, particularly since the supportingmeans is mounted on the model teeth, the index members can be accuratelydisposed at arbitrary reference positions with respect to thepre-correction dentition model and the post-correction predictivedentition model. Moreover, by similarly adjusting the position of theholding means with respect to each of the pre-correction dentition modeland the post-correction predictive dentition model by the positionadjusting mechanism, the position of the index member with respect tothe pre-correction dentition model and the position of the index memberwith respect to the post-correction predictive dentition model can bemade to accurately coincide with each other. Thus, the mutual displaypositions of the pre-correction dentition image and the post-correctionpredictive dentition image can be made to more accurately coincide witheach other.

In still another preferred example of the orthodontics assisting systemin accordance with the invention, the supporting means includes aplurality of upright pins each having a tip and each adapted at the tipto be abutted against a depression in an occlusal surface of therespective model tooth so as to be erected uprightly on that respectivemodel tooth. According to such a preferred example, the supporting meanscan be mounted simply and accurately on the respective model teeth ofthe pre-correction dentition model and the post-correction predictivedentition model.

In a further preferred example of the orthodontics assisting system inaccordance with the invention, the orthodontics assisting system furthercomprises: storage means for storing the pre-correction dentition imagedata, the post-correction predictive dentition image data, the teethimage data, and data showing results of respective position adjustmentby the position adjusting means and the tooth position adjusting means,respectively. According to such a preferred example, if theabove-described various data are once created by the orthodonticsassisting system, those various data can be referred to in an ex-postmanner. Thus, it is possible to suitably assist the phased correctionplanning of orthodontics and the fabrication of orthodontic mouthpieceshaving various shapes corresponding to such phased correction planning.

Advantages of the Invention

According to the invention, it is possible to provide an orthodonticsassisting system which makes it possible to accurately create a desiredpost-correction predictive dentition image, and makes it possible tosimply and accurately perform the mutual positioning of thepre-correction dentition image and the post-correction predictivedentition image, as well as an index member and an arranging device foruse therein.

Next, a more detailed description will be given of an example of themode for carrying out the invention on the basis of an embodimentillustrated in the drawings. It should be noted that the presentinvention is not limited to the embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory conceptual diagram of an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is an explanatory plan view of mainly an arranging device in theembodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory front elevational view of mainly the arrangingdevice in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory side elevational view of mainly the arrangingdevice in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5( a) and 5(b) are explanatory diagrams of mainly a holding meansand an index member in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory conceptual diagram concerning programs storedmainly in a storage means in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory conceptual diagram concerning data storedmainly in the storage means in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram concerning a screen display of adentition image by mainly a screen display means in the embodiment shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram concerning a screen display of adentition image by mainly the screen display means in the embodimentshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram concerning a screen display of adentition image by mainly another screen display means in the embodimentshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11( a) is an explanatory plan view of another index member in theembodiment shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 11( b) is an explanatory plan view of still another index member inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 1

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In FIGS. 1 to 10, an orthodontics assisting system 1 in accordance withthis embodiment is comprised of index members 4 and 5 which indicaterespective overall reference positions of a pre-correction dentitionmodel 2 having a dentition shape before orthodontics and apost-correction predictive dentition model 3 having a predictivedentition shape after orthodontics; an arranging device 6 for arrangingthe index members 4 and 5 on the pre-correction dentition model 2 andthe post-correction predictive dentition model 3, respectively, to causethe index members 4 and 5 to indicate the reference positions,respectively; an image data generating means 11 for generatingpre-correction dentition image data 9 including index image data 7 shownin FIG. 7 and based on the index member 4 arranged on the pre-correctiondentition model 2 and post-correction predictive dentition image data 10including index image data 8 shown in FIG. 7 and based on the indexmember 5 arranged on the post-correction predictive dentition model 3,by imaging the pre-correction dentition model 2 and the post-correctionpredictive dentition model 3, respectively, with the index members 4 and5 respectively arranged thereon by the arranging device 6; a screendisplay means 14 for screen-displaying a pre-correction dentition image12 and a post-correction predictive dentition image 13 shown in FIGS. 8to 10 and respectively based on the pre-correction dentition image data9 and the post-correction predictive dentition image data 10 generatedby the image data generating means 11; an overall-position adjustingmeans 15 for adjusting on the basis of the index image data 7 and 8mutual overall display positions of the pre-correction dentition image12 and the post-correction predictive dentition image 13 which arescreen-displayed by the screen display means 14; a tooth positionadjusting means 18 for extracting teeth image data 16 and 125 from thepre-correction dentition image data 9 and for adjusting displaypositions with respect to the post-correction predictive dentition image13 of teeth images 17 and 127 based on the extracted teeth image data 16and 125; and a storage means 19 for storing the pre-correction dentitionimage data 9, the post-correction predictive dentition image data 10,and the teeth image data 16 and 125, as well as data showing the resultsof respective position adjustment by the overall-position adjustingmeans 15 and the tooth position adjusting means 18, respectively.

The pre-correction dentition model 2 is fabricated by making animpression from a patient's teeth before orthodontics and may be aplaster cast or the like. In the post-correction predictive dentitionmodel 3, model teeth 21 juxtaposed along the same tooth arrangement asthat of the pre-correction dentition model 2 are respectively cut offfrom each other, and the mutually cut-off model teeth 21 arerespectively connected again by means of a thermosoftening(thermoplastic) model gingiva 22 formed of wax or the like. Thepost-correction predictive dentition model 3 is adapted so as to be ableto adjust the position of each of the model teeth 21 by softening themodel gingiva 22 on heating. The pre-correction dentition model 2 andthe post-correction predictive dentition model 3 are provided on a base20. As the positions of the model teeth 21 are adjusted, thepost-correction predictive dentition model 3 has a presumptivepredictive dentition shape in which the dentition shape after finalorthodontics is predicted. It should be noted that the post-correctionpredictive dentition model 3 can be used as a basic mold in thefabrication of such as an orthodontic mouthpiece. In addition, thepost-correction predictive dentition model 3 means a dentition model ina state in which it has a predictive dentition shape after orthodontics,and also means a dentition model for adjustment of the positions of themodel teeth 21 for assuming the aforementioned predictive dentitionshape and which has the same dentition shape as that of thepre-correction dentition model 2. However, when the post-correctionpredictive dentition model 3 is imaged by the image data generatingmeans 11, the post-correction predictive dentition model 3 is set in astate in which it has a predictive dentition shape after orthodontics.

Since the index members 4 and 5 are formed in a mutually similarfashion, a detailed description will be given hereafter of the indexmember 4, the same reference numerals will be allotted, as required, tothe index member 5 in the drawings, and a detailed description thereofwill be omitted.

As particularly shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and in FIGS. 5( a) and 5(b), theindex member 4 has a rectangular plate-like body 25 which is fixed tothe pre-correction dentition model 2 and three semispherical projections26 provided integrally on the plate-like body 25 by being aligned in arow in a longitudinal direction of the plate-like body 25. As for theprojections 26, three projections are provided in this embodiment, butone, two, or four or more projections may be used, and in the case wherethe plurality of projections 26 are provided on the plate-like body 25,such projections 26 may be arranged in two or more rows, or may bearranged in rows in such a manner as to form a houndstooth check. Inaddition, the projection 26 is preferably such that all or a portion ofthat projection 26 has a semispherical shape (including a semiellipticalshape in its longitudinal cross section, an elliptical shape in itstransverse cross section, etc.), but it is sufficient if the projection26 projects from the plate-like body 25. For example, the projection 26may have a cylindrical shape (including an elliptical shape in its crosssection etc.); a prismatic shape (including a triangular prismaticshape, a quadrangular prismatic shape (including a cubic shape and arectangular parallelepiped shape), a polygonal prismatic shape, etc.); ahollow cylindrical shape (including a hollow elliptical shape in itscross section); a square tubular shape (including a hollow cubic shape,a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape, a hollow polyhedral shape,etc.); a conical shape (including an elliptical shape in its crosssection etc.); a pyramidal shape (including a triangular pyramidalshape, a rectangular pyramidal shape, a polygonal pyramidal shape,etc.); a truncated conical shape (including an elliptical shape in itscross section etc.); and a truncated pyramidal shape (including atruncated triangular pyramidal shape, a truncated rectangular pyramidalshape, a truncated polygonal pyramidal shape, etc.). Such an indexmember 4, when arranged on the pre-correction dentition model 2 by thearranging device 6, functions as a member for indicating an overallreference position of the pre-correction dentition model 2. It should benoted that the reference position of the pre-correction dentition model2 in its entirety is arbitrarily set by an operator of the arrangingdevice 6 and may be set on, for instance, a median line 30 of thepre-correction dentition model 2.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to FIGS. 5( a) and 5(b), the arranging device 6includes a holding means 31 for holding the index members 4 and 5; asupporting means 32 which supports the holding means 31 and is mountedon each of the model teeth 21 of the pre-correction dentition model 2and the post-correction predictive dentition model 3; and a positionadjusting mechanism 33 for adjusting the position of the holding means31 with respect to each of the pre-correction dentition model 2 and thepost-correction predictive dentition model 3.

As particularly shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 5( a) and 5(b), theholding means 31 has four grip arms 41 a, 41 b, 41 c, and 41 d arrangedin a cruciform shape so as to be able to grip the plate-like body 25 incooperation with each other, as well as an approaching and moving-awaymechanism 42 connected to each of the grip arms 41 a, 41 b, 41 c, and 41d so as to cause the grip arms 41 a, 41 b, 41 c, and 41 d to approachand move away from each other. The arrangement provided is such that theplate-like body 25 is gripped and held by causing the grip arms 41 a, 41b, 41 c, and 41 d to approach each other by the approaching andmoving-away mechanism 42, as shown in FIG. 5( a), while the state ofholding the plate-like body 25 is released by causing the grip arms 41a, 41 b, 41 c, and 41 d to move away from each other thereby, as shownin FIG. 5( b). It should be noted that the holding means 31 may have,for example, three grip arms (not shown) arranged in a T-shape insteadof the grip arms 41 a, 41 b, 41 c, and 41 d, such that the plate-likebody 25 is gripped and held by causing the three grip arms to approacheach other by the approaching and moving-away mechanism 42, while thestate of holding the plate-like body 25 is released by causing the threegrip arms to move away from each other thereby.

The grip arms 41 a and 41 b, which are opposed to each other in an Xdirection, are respectively formed in a mutually similar manner. Thegrip arms 41 c and 41 d, which are opposed to each other in a Ydirection perpendicular to the X direction, are respectively formed in amutually similar manner. An elastic body (not shown) formed of rubber(including natural rubber and synthetic rubber such as silicone rubber)or the like is fitted to that portion of each of the grip arms 41 a, 41b, 41 c, and 41 d which abuts against the index members 4 and 5.

The approaching and moving-away mechanism 42 includes a grip operationmember 43 connected to an end of each of the grip arms 41 a, 41 b, 41 c,and 41 d so as to cause the grip arms 41 a and 41 b to approach and moveaway from each other in the X direction and cause the grip arms 41 c and41 d to approach and move away from each other in the Y directionthrough their movement in a Z direction perpendicular to the X directionand the Y direction; an urging member 44 constituted by a coil spring orthe like for urging the grip operation member 43 so as to cause therespective grip arms 41 a, 41 b, 41 c, and 41 d to approach each other;and a housing 45 for accommodating the grip operation member 43 and theurging member 44. It should be noted that one end of the grip operationmember 43 projects from an upper surface of the housing 45.

The above-described holding means 31 is adapted so that as the gripoperation member 43 is operated against the urging force by the urgingmember 44 in the Z direction, the grip arms 41 a, 41 b, 41 c, and 41 dare respectively moved away from each other, and as the grip arms 41 a,41 b, 41 c, and 41 d are caused to approach each other by releasing theoperation of the grip operation member 43 against the urging force bythe urging member 44, the index member 4 or 5 disposed between therespectively mutually moved-away grip arms 41 a and 41 b and between thegrip arms 41 c and 41 d is gripped. The index member 4 or 5 is adaptedto be held by being thus gripped.

The supporting means 32 includes upright pins 52 and 53 each having apointed distal end (hereafter referred to as a tip) 51 which is abuttedagainst the model tooth 21 of the pre-correction dentition model 2 orthe post-correction predictive dentition model 3 on one side of themedian line 30 so as to be erected uprightly on that respective modeltooth 21; upright pins 54 and 55 each having a tip 51 which is abuttedagainst the model tooth 21 of the pre-correction dentition model 2 orthe post-correction predictive dentition model 3 on the other side ofthe median line 30 so as to be erected uprightly on that respectivemodel tooth 21; a bridging arm 56 for bridging the upright pins 52 and53, respectively; a bridging arm 57 for bridging the upright pins 54 and55, respectively; an X-direction shaft 58 which is disposed between theupright pins 52 and 53 and between the upright pins 54 and 55 and isconnected to the bridging arms 56 and 57 in such a manner as to extendin the X direction; and a Z-direction shaft 59 which is disposed betweenthe bridging arms 56 and 57 and is connected to the X-direction axis 58in such a manner as to extend in the Z direction. The housing 45 of theholding means 31 is fitted to a lower end portion of the Z-directionshaft 59. Each of the upright pins 52 to 55 can be easily erecteduprightly on the model tooth 21 by causing its tip 51 to abut against adepression of an occlusal surface 21 a of the model tooth 21. It shouldbe noted that the supporting means 32 may have, in substitution for atleast one of the upright pins 52, 53, 54, and 55, an upright pin (notshown) in which an impression portion for taking an impression of theocclusal surface 21 a of the model tooth 21 of the pre-correctiondentition model 2 or the post-correction predictive dentition model 3 isprovided at its tip. According to such an upright pin, the arrangingdevice 6 can be mounted accurately and simply on the model tooth 21 bybringing the impression portion of a shape complementary to the occlusalsurface 21 a into surface contact with that occlusal surface 21 a. Theaforementioned impression portion may be formed from a material such assilicone, rubber, clay, compound, alginate, wax, plaster, or the like.

A connecting portion 60, which is connected to a pin connector 65 so asto be rotatable in an R2 direction, is provided on an upper end of eachof the upright pins 52 and 53. A connecting portion 60, which isconnected to a pin connector 66 so as to be rotatable in the R2direction, is similarly provided on an upper end of each of the uprightpins 54 and 55 in the same way as the upright pins 52 and 53. Thebridging arms 56 and 57 and the X-direction shaft 58 are respectivelycylindrical in shape. The Z-direction shaft 59 has a cylindrical portion61 and an L-shaped portion 62 provided integrally at a lower end of thecylindrical portion 61, and the housing 45 is secured to a lower endportion of the L-shaped portion 62. The bridging arms 56 and 57 extendin a direction (including the Y direction) perpendicular to the Xdirection.

On the one side of the median line 30, the above-described supportingmeans 32 supports the holding means 31 through the bridging arm 56, theX-direction shaft 58, and the Z-direction shaft 59 onto the upright pins52 and 53 erected uprightly on the model teeth 21 on the one side of thepre-correction dentition model 2 or the post-correction predictivedentition model 3. On the other side of the median line 30, thesupporting means 32 supports the holding means 31 through the bridgingarm 57, the X-direction shaft 58, and the Z-direction shaft 59 onto theupright pins 54 and 55 erected uprightly on the model teeth 21 on theother side of the pre-correction dentition model 2 or thepost-correction predictive dentition model 3.

The position adjusting mechanism 33 includes the pin connector 65 forconnecting each of the upright pins 52 and 53 to the bridging arm 56 onthe one side of the median line 30 movably along the longitudinaldirection of the bridging arm 56 and rotatably in the R1 and R2directions relative to the bridging arm 56; the pin connector 66 forconnecting each of the upright pins 54 and 55 to the bridging arm 57 onthe other side of the median line 30 movably and rotatably in the sameway as the pin connector 65; an arm connector 67 for connecting thebridging arm 56 to the X-direction shaft 58 on the one side of themedian line 30 movably along the longitudinal direction of the bridgingarm 56, movably along the longitudinal direction of the X-directionshaft 58, and rotatably in the R1, R3, and R4 directions relative to theX-direction shaft 58; an arm connector 68 for connecting the bridgingarm 57 to the X-direction shaft 58 on the other side of the median line30 movably and rotatably in the same way as the arm connector 67; ashaft connector 69 for connecting the Z-direction shaft 59 to theX-direction shaft 58 movably along the longitudinal direction of theX-direction shaft 58, movably in the Z direction, and rotatably in theR4 and R5 directions relative to the X-direction shaft 58; and aninhibiting member 70 (including inhibiting members 70 a to 70 f)constituted by a setscrew for releasably inhibiting the aforementionedmovement and rotation, respectively, of the upright pins 52 to 55, thebridging arms 56 and 57, the X-direction shaft 58, and the Z-directionshaft 59.

Since the pin connectors 65 and 66 and the arm connectors 67 and 68 arerespectively configured in a mutually similar manner, a detaileddescription will be given hereafter of the pin connector 65 and the armconnector 67, the same reference numerals will be allotted, as required,to the pin connector 66 and the arm connector 68 in the drawings, and adetailed description thereof will be omitted.

The pin connector 65 on the upright pin 52 side includes a connectingbody 75; a through hole 76 which is provided in the connecting body 75and in which the cylindrical bridging arm 56 is inserted; and aconnecting portion 78 which is provided on the connecting body 75 andconnects to the connecting portion 60 of the upright pin 52 by means ofa pin 77. The connecting body 75 is inhibited from moving relative tothe bridging arm 56 and rotating about the axis of the bridging arm 56in the R1 direction by the inhibiting member 70 a which is in pressurecontact with the bridging arm 56 by means of that connecting body 75.However, when that inhibition by the inhibiting member 70 a is released,the connecting body 75, together with the upright pin 52, is adapted tobe movable along the longitudinal direction of the bridging arm 56 androtatable in the direction R1 relative to that bridging arm 56. Inaddition, the upright pin 52 is inhibited from rotating about the axisof the pin 77 in the direction R2 relative to the pin connector 65 bythe inhibiting member 70 b which courses the connecting portions 60 and78 to be in pressure contact with each other. However, when thatinhibition by the inhibiting member 70 b is released, the upright pin 52is adapted to be rotatable in the direction R2. It should be noted thatsince the pin connector 65 on the upright pin 53 side is constructed inthe same way as the pin connector 65 on the upright pin 52 side, as forthe pin connector 65 on the upright pin 53 side, the same referencenumerals will be allotted, as required, and a detailed descriptionthereof will be omitted.

The arm connector 67 includes a pair of connecting members 81 and 82which are connected to each other rotatably in the R3 direction about anaxis extending in the Z direction; a through hole 83 which is providedin the connecting member 81 and in which the cylindrical bridging arm 56is inserted; and a through hole 84 which is provided in the connectingmember 82 and in which the cylindrical X-direction shaft 58 is inserted.The connecting body 81 is inhibited from moving along the longitudinaldirection of the bridging arm 56 and rotating in the R1 directionrelative to that bridging arm 56 by the inhibiting member 70 c which isin pressure contact with the bridging arm 56 by means of that connectingbody 81. However, when that inhibition by the inhibiting member 70 c isreleased, the connecting body 81 is adapted to be movable along thelongitudinal direction of the bridging arm 56 and rotatable in thedirection R1. The connecting body 82 is inhibited from moving along theX-direction shaft 58 and rotating about the axis of the X-directionshaft 58 in the R4 direction relative to that X-direction shaft 58 bythe inhibiting member 70 d which is in pressure contact with theX-direction shaft 58 by means of that connecting body 82. However, whenthat inhibition by the inhibiting member 70 d is released, theconnecting body 82 is adapted to be movable along the X-direction shaft58 and rotatable in the direction R4. It should be noted that thebridging arm 56 is adapted to be rotated in the R3 direction by therotation of the connecting member 81 in the R3 direction relative to theconnecting member 82.

The shaft connector 69 includes a connecting body 91; a through hole 92which is provided in the connecting body 91 and in which the cylindricalX-direction shaft 58 is inserted; and a through hole 93 which isprovided in the connecting body 91 and in which the cylindrical portion61 of the cylindrical Z-direction shaft 59 is inserted. The connectingbody 91 is inhibited from moving along the X-direction shaft 58 androtating in the R4 direction relative to that X-direction shaft 58 bythe inhibiting member 70 e which is in pressure contact with theX-direction shaft 58 by means of that connecting body 91. However, whenthat inhibition by the inhibiting member 70 e is released, theconnecting body 91, together with the Z-direction shaft 59, is adaptedto be movable along the X-direction shaft 58 and rotatable in thedirection R4. In addition, the connecting body 91 is inhibited frommoving along the Z-direction shaft 59 and rotating about the axis of theZ-direction shaft 59 in the R5 direction relative to that Z-directionshaft 59 by the inhibiting member 70 f which is in pressure contact withthe cylindrical portion 61 by means of that connecting body 91. However,when that inhibition by the inhibiting member 70 f is released, theconnecting body 91 is adapted to be movable along the Z-direction shaft59 and rotatable in the direction R5.

According to the above-described arranging device 6, the index members 4and 5 can be respectively arranged at mutually identical referencepositions with respect to the respective entireties of thepre-correction dentition model 2 and the post-correction predictivedentition model 3. It should be noted that the arranging device 6 iserected uprightly on the model teeth 21 other than the model teeth 21corresponding to the teeth to be corrected, as shown in FIG. 2.

The image data generating means 11 has one or two or more imagingdevices 101 for imaging the pre-correction dentition model 2 and thepost-correction predictive dentition model 3, respectively, undermutually identical conditions, and is adapted to generate thepre-correction dentition image data 9 based on the pre-correctiondentition model 2 and the post-correction predictive dentition imagedata 10 based on the post-correction predictive dentition model 3 byimaging by the imaging device 101. The imaging device 101 may be adaptedto image the pre-correction dentition model 2 and the post-correctionpredictive dentition model 3 by using a CCD, a laser, an X-ray, a CT, aCAT, an MRI, or the like. It should be noted that the pre-correctiondentition image data 9 and the post-correction predictive dentitionimage data 10 are transmitted to the storage means 19 through a signalline 102 in this embodiment. The teeth image data 16 and the index imagedata 7 are included in the pre-correction dentition image data 9generated by the image data generating means 11. The teeth image datamaking up the dentition shape after orthodontics and the index imagedata 8 are included in the post-correction predictive dentition imagedata 10 generated by the image data generating means 11. Thepre-correction dentition image data 9 and the post-correction predictivedentition image data 10 generated by the image data generating means 11are constituted by three-dimensional image data. The imaging device 101is preferably constituted by a laser scanner in the relationship withthe projections 26.

The screen display means 14, the overall-position adjusting means 15,the tooth position adjusting means 18, and the storage means 19 areembodied by, for example, a computer including an arithmetic unit suchas a CPU, a storage unit such as a memory, a monitor having a CRT, aTFT, or the like, and an operation unit such as a keyboard and a mouse,as well as a program stored in that computer.

As particularly shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the screen display means 14 hasa display screen 111 for screen-displaying the three-dimensionalpre-correction dentition image 12 and post-correction predictivedentition image 13 based on the pre-correction dentition image data 9and the post-correction predictive dentition image data 10 which aresupplied from the image data generating means 11 through the storagemeans 19, and is adapted to perform the screen display as describedabove and below. In addition, a screen display may be given on thedisplay screen 111 such that the pre-correction dentition image 12 andthe post-correction predictive dentition image 13 are superposed on eachother, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In addition, a screen display may begiven by juxtaposing the pre-correction dentition image 12 and thepost-correction predictive dentition image 13, as shown in FIG. 10. In acase where the pre-correction dentition image 12 and the post-correctionpredictive dentition image 13 to be screen-displayed have been createdthree-dimensionally, the screen display means 14 is adapted to be ableto change the angle of screen-displaying the pre-correction dentitionimage 12 and the post-correction predictive dentition image 13 on thebasis of the operation of the operation unit such as the keyboard andthe mouse.

As shown in FIG. 6, the position adjusting means 15 includes anoverall-position setting program 115 for setting on the basis of theindex image data 7 and 8 the respective overall display positions of thepre-correction dentition image 12 and the post-correction predictivedentition image 13 which are screen-displayed on the display screen 111,as well as an overall-position changing program 116 for changing theoverall display position with respect to the post-correction predictivedentition image 13 of the pre-correction dentition image 12screen-displayed at a position which has been set by theoverall-position setting program 115. The overall-position settingprogram 115 is stored in the storage means 19 so as to be executed onthe basis of the operation of the operation unit such as the keyboardand the mouse or so as to be automatically executed in accordance withthe storage of the pre-correction dentition image data 9 and thepost-correction predictive dentition image data 10 by the storage means19. The overall-position changing program 116 is stored in the storagemeans 19 so as to be executed on the basis of the operation of theoperation unit such as the keyboard and the mouse.

The overall-position setting program 115 reads out the pre-correctiondentition image data 9 and the post-correction predictive dentitionimage data 10 from the storage means 19, and sets an overall displayposition in a coordinate system having an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis(not shown) of the pre-correction dentition image 12 by using as areference position the display position of an index image 117 which isto be screen-displayed on the display screen 111 on the basis of theindex image data 7 included in the pre-correction dentition image data 9which has been read out. Also, the overall-position setting program 115sets an overall display position in a coordinate system having the Xaxis, the Y axis, and the Z axis (not shown) of the post-correctionpredictive dentition image 13 by using as a reference position thedisplay position of an index image 118 which is to be screen-displayedon the display screen 111 on the basis of the index image data 8included in the post-correction predictive dentition image data 10 whichhas been read out. The overall-position setting program 115 may beadapted to cause display positions in the coordinate systems of theindex images 117 and 118 of the pre-correction dentition image 12 andthe post-correction predictive dentition image 13 to coincide with eachother. In such a case, the respective overall display positions(excluding portions corresponding to teeth images corresponding to theteeth to be corrected) of the pre-correction dentition image 12 and thepost-correction predictive dentition image 13 are automatically made tocorrespond in the computer. The overall-position setting program 115generates overall-position setting data 121 concerning the coordinatepositions of the pre-correction dentition image 12 and thepost-correction predictive dentition image 13 after the setting of theoverall display positions. The overall-position setting data 121 isstored in the storage means 19.

On the basis of the operation of the operation unit such as the keyboardand the mouse, the overall-position changing program 116 selects thepre-correction dentition image 12 or the post-correction predictivedentition image 13 on the display screen 111, and changes the overalldisplay position in the coordinate system of the selected pre-correctiondentition image 12 with respect to the post-correction predictivedentition image 13 or the overall display position in the coordinatesystem of the selected post-correction predictive dentition image 13with respect to the pre-correction dentition image 12. Theoverall-position changing program 116 generates overall-positionchanging data 122 concerning the coordinate positions of thepre-correction dentition image 12 and the post-correction predictivedentition image 13 after the changing of the overall display positions.The overall-position changing data 122 is stored in the storage means19.

As shown in FIG. 6, the tooth position adjusting means 18 includes anextraction program 126 serving as an extraction means for extractingfrom the pre-correction dentition image data 9 the teeth image data 16corresponding to the tooth to be moved in orthodontics and the teethimage data 125 corresponding to the tooth to be moved in associationwith the movement of that tooth in orthodontics; a tooth positionsetting program 128 for setting positions where the teeth images 17 and127 based on the teeth image data 16 and 125 extracted by the extractionprogram 126 are to be screen-displayed on the display screen 111, byusing the display position of the pre-correction dentition image 12 as areference; and a tooth position changing program 129 for changing thedisplay positions with respect to the post-correction predictivedentition image 13 of the teeth images 17 and 127 screen-displayed onthe display screen 111 at the positions which have been set by the toothposition setting program 128.

The extraction program 126 reads out the pre-correction dentition imagedata 9 from the storage means 19, and extracts the three-dimensionalteeth image data 16 and 125 mainly on the basis of the data on thedentition shape included in the pre-correction dentition image data 9which has been read out. The extracted teeth image data 16 and 125 arestored in the storage means 19.

The tooth position setting program 128 reads out each of the teeth imagedata 16 and 125 from the storage means 19, and sets the display positionof each of the teeth images 17 and 127 based on each of the teeth imagedata 16 and 125 which have been read out, mainly in conformity with thedentition shape contained in the pre-correction dentition image 12. Thetooth position setting program 128 generates tooth position setting data130 concerning the respective coordinate positions of the teeth images17 and 127 after the setting of the display positions. The toothposition setting data 130 is stored in the storage means 19.

On the basis of the operation of the operation unit such as the keyboardand the mouse, the tooth position changing program 129 selects at leasteither one of the teeth images 17 and 127 on the display screen 111, andchanges the display position in the coordinate system with respect tothe post-correction predictive dentition image 13 of the selected atleast either one of the teeth images 17 and 127. The tooth positionchanging program 129 generates tooth position changing data 131concerning the coordinate position of each of the teeth images 17 and127 after the changing of the display position. The tooth positionchanging data 131 is stored in the storage means 19.

The storage means 19 which is embodied by a memory (including an HDD orthe like) has storage areas for readably storing the overall-positionsetting program 115, the overall-position changing program 116, theextraction program 126, the tooth position setting program 128, thetooth position changing program 129, the pre-correction dentition imagedata 9, the post-correction predictive dentition image data 10, theteeth image data 16 and 125, the overall-position setting data 121, theoverall-position changing data 122, the tooth position setting data 130,and the tooth position changing data 131, respectively, which are shownparticularly in FIGS. 6 and 7.

In the case where the above-described orthodontics assisting system 1 isused, the pre-correction dentition model 2 fabricated on the basis ofthe patient's dentition shape before orthodontics, the post-correctionpredictive dentition model 3 having a presumptive predictive dentitionshape after orthodontics fabricated by a specialist such as a dentist ora dental engineer; the index members 4 and 5, and the arranging device 6are prepared first.

Next, the position of each of the upright pins 52 to 55 with respect tothe pre-correction dentition model 2 is adjusted so that each of theupright pins 52 to 55 is arranged on the model tooth 21 of thepre-correction dentition model 2 by the position adjusting mechanism 33.Subsequently, each of the upright pins 52 to 55 is erected uprightly onthe model tooth 21 of the pre-correction dentition model 2, therebymounting the arranging device 6 on the pre-correction dentition model 2,as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. Next, the index member 4 is held by theholding means 31 of the arranging device 6 mounted on the pre-correctiondentition model 2, and the position of the held index member 4 withrespect to the pre-correction dentition model 2 is adjusted by theposition adjusting mechanism 33, thereby arranging the index member 4with respect to the pre-correction dentition model 2. The plate-likebody 25 of the index member 4 arranged by the arranging device 6 issecured to the pre-correction dentition model 2 by means of wax or thelike. After the securing of the index member 4, the holding of the indexmember 4 by the holding means 31 is released, and the arranging device 6is removed from the pre-correction dentition model 2. As particularlyshown in FIG. 2, one or a plurality of model teeth 21 are interposedbetween the model teeth 21 on which the upright pins 52 and 53 areerected uprightly and between the model teeth 21 on which the uprightpins 54 and 55 are erected uprightly, respectively. Next, the arrangingdevice 6 as it is in the state of being adjusted by the positionadjusting mechanism 33 at the time of arranging the index member 4 withrespect to the pre-correction dentition model 2 is mounted on thepost-correction predictive dentition model 3, and after the mounting,the index member 5 is held by the holding means 31. Thus, the indexmember 5 is arranged with respect to the post-correction predictivedentition model 3 so that the position of the index member 5 withrespect to the post-correction predictive dentition model 3 becomesequivalent to the position of the index member 4 with respect to thepre-correction dentition model 2. The plate-like body 25 of the indexmember 5 arranged by the arranging device 6 is secured to thepost-correction predictive dentition model 3 by means of wax or thelike. After the securing of the index member 5, the holding of the indexmember 5 by the holding means 31 is released, and the arranging device 6is removed from the post-correction predictive dentition model 3. Theindex members 4 and 5 respectively arranged with respect to thepre-correction dentition model 2 and the post-correction predictivedentition model 3 by the arranging device 6 show the respective overallreference positions of the pre-correction dentition model 2 and thepost-correction predictive dentition model 3. It should be noted thatthe arrangement of the index member 5 with respect to thepost-correction predictive dentition model 3 by the arranging device 6may be carried out earlier than the arrangement of the index member 4with respect to the pre-correction dentition model 2. In addition, thearranging device 6 may arrange the index member 5 with respect to thepost-correction predictive dentition model 3 in a state in which themodel teeth 21 have not been cut off from each other and in a state inwhich the post-correction predictive dentition model 3 has the samedentition shape as that of the pre-correction dentition model 2.

Next, the pre-correction dentition model 2 and the post-correctionpredictive dentition model 3 provided with the index members 4 and 5 arerespectively imaged by the image data generating means 11 to generatethe three-dimensional pre-correction dentition image data 9 andpost-correction predictive dentition image data 10. The generatedpre-correction dentition image data 9 and post-correction predictivedentition image data 10 are stored by the storage means 19.

Next, the overall display position of each of the pre-correctiondentition image 12 and the post-correction predictive dentition image 13to be screen-displayed on the display screen 111 is set by the executionof the overall-position setting program 115. After the execution of theoverall-position setting program 115, the pre-correction dentition image12 and the post-correction predictive dentition image 13 arescreen-displayed on the display screen 111 by the screen display means14. Next, the overall display position with respect to thepost-correction predictive dentition image 13 of the pre-correctiondentition image 12 screen-displayed at the position set by theoverall-position setting program 115 is changed by the execution of theoverall-position changing program 116 based on the computer operator'sjudgment.

Next, the teeth image data 16 corresponding to the tooth to be moved inorthodontics and the teeth image data 125 corresponding to the tooth tobe moved in association with the movement of that tooth in orthodonticsare extracted from the pre-correction dentition image data 9 by theexecution of the extraction program 126, and the positions where theteeth images 17 and 127 based on the extracted teeth image data 16 and125 are to be screen-displayed on the display screen 111 are set byusing the display position of the pre-correction dentition image 12 as areference by the execution of the tooth position setting program 128.After the execution of the tooth position setting program 128, the teethimages 17 and 127 are screen-displayed on the display screen 111 by thescreen display means 14.

Next, the display position with respect to the post-correctionpredictive dentition image 13 of the teeth image 17 screen-displayed atthe position set by the tooth position setting program 128 is changed insteps by the execution of the tooth position changing program 129 basedon the computer operator's judgment, so that that teeth image 17approaches toward a teeth image 137 included in the post-correctionpredictive dentition image 13. The respective tooth position changingdata 131 of the teeth image 17 thus changed in steps are stored in thestorage means 19. As for the respective teeth images 127, their displaypositions can also be changed in the same way as in the case of changingthe display position of the teeth image 17. It should be noted that theextraction program 126 may be executed earlier than the overall-positionsetting program 115.

If the orthodontics assisting system 1 is used as described above, it ispossible to generate the various data described above. Theabove-described various data thus generated are useful in the phasedplanning of orthodontics and in the fabrication of a dentition modelhaving a dentition shape corresponding to the correction phase of thedentition and an orthodontic mouthpiece which is molded from thatdentition model.

According to the orthodontics assisting system 1 in accordance with thisembodiment, the orthodontics assisting system 1 is comprised of theindex members 4 and 5 which indicate respective overall referencepositions of the pre-correction dentition model 2 having a dentitionshape before orthodontics and the post-correction predictive dentitionmodel 3 having a predictive dentition shape after orthodontics; thearranging device 6 for arranging the index members 4 and 5 on thepre-correction dentition model 2 and the post-correction predictivedentition model 3, respectively, to cause the index members 4 and 5 toindicate the reference positions, respectively; the image datagenerating means 11 for generating the pre-correction dentition imagedata 9 including the index image data 7 based on the index member 4arranged on the pre-correction dentition model 2 and the post-correctionpredictive dentition image data 10 including the index image data 8based on the index member 5 arranged on the post-correction predictivedentition model 3, by imaging the pre-correction dentition model 2 andthe post-correction predictive dentition model 3, respectively, with theindex members 4 and 5 respectively arranged thereon by the arrangingdevice 6; the screen display means 14 for screen-displaying thepre-correction dentition image 12 and the post-correction predictivedentition image 13 respectively based on the pre-correction dentitionimage data 9 and the post-correction predictive dentition image data 10generated by the image data generating means 11; the overall-positionadjusting means 15 for adjusting on the basis of the index image data 7and 8 mutual overall display positions of the pre-correction dentitionimage 12 and the post-correction predictive dentition image 13 which arescreen-displayed by the screen display means 14; and the tooth positionadjusting means 18 for extracting the teeth image data 16 and 125 fromthe pre-correction dentition image data 9 and for adjusting displaypositions with respect to the post-correction predictive dentition image13 of the teeth images 17 and 127 based on the extracted teeth imagedata 16 and 125. Therefore, it is possible to accurately create adesired post-correction predictive dentition image 13 on the basis ofthe post-correction predictive dentition model 3. Moreover, the mutualpositioning of the pre-correction dentition image 12 and thepost-correction predictive dentition image 13 can be performed simplyand accurately on the basis of the index image data 7 and 8.

According to the orthodontics assisting system 1, since each of theindex members 4 and 5 has the plate-like body 25 and the projections 26provided on the plate-like body 25, by providing these index members 4and 5 on the pre-correction dentition model 2 and the post-correctionpredictive dentition model 3, in a case where the pre-correctiondentition model 2 and the post-correction predictive dentition model 3are imaged as image data for use in a computer or the like, the indeximage data 7 which clearly indicates the reference position of thepre-correction dentition image 12 based on the pre-correction dentitionmodel 2 and the index image data 8 which clearly indicates the referenceposition of the post-correction predictive dentition image 13 based onthe post-correction predictive dentition model 3 can be obtained on thebasis of the respective imaged index members 4 and 5. Hence, the mutualpositioning of the overall display positions of the pre-correctiondentition image 12 based on the pre-correction dentition model 2 and thepost-correction predictive dentition image 13 based on thepost-correction predictive dentition model 3 can be performed simply andaccurately. In addition, according to the orthodontics assisting system1, since the projections 26 of the index members 4 and 5 aresemispherical, the mutual overall display positions of thepre-correction dentition image 12 and the post-correction predictivedentition image 13 can be made to coincide even more simply.

According to the orthodontics assisting system 1, the arranging device 6includes the holding means 31 for holding the index members 4 and 5; thesupporting means 32 which supports the holding means 31 and is mountedon each of the model teeth 21 of the pre-correction dentition model 2and the post-correction predictive dentition model 3; and the positionadjusting mechanism 33 for adjusting the position of the holding means31 with respect to each of the pre-correction dentition model 2 and thepost-correction predictive dentition model 3. Therefore, the indexmembers 4 and 5 can be accurately disposed at arbitrary referencepositions with respect to the pre-correction dentition model 2 and thepost-correction predictive dentition model 3. Moreover, by similarlyadjusting the position of the holding means 31 with respect to each ofthe pre-correction dentition model 2 and the post-correction predictivedentition model 3 by the position adjusting mechanism 33, the positionof the index member 4 with respect to the overall pre-correctiondentition model 2 and the position of the index member 5 with respect tothe overall post-correction predictive dentition model 3 can be made toaccurately coincide with each other. Thus, the mutual overall displaypositions of the pre-correction dentition image 12 and thepost-correction predictive dentition image 13 can be made to moreaccurately coincide with each other.

According to the orthodontics assisting system 1, the supporting means32 includes the plurality of upright pins 52 to 55 each having the tip51 and each adapted at the tip 51 to be abutted against a depression inthe occlusal surface 21 a of the respective model tooth 21 so as to beerected uprightly on that respective model tooth 21. Therefore, thesupporting means 32 can be mounted simply and accurately on therespective model teeth 21 of the pre-correction dentition model 2 andthe post-correction predictive dentition model 3.

According to the orthodontics assisting system 1, the orthodonticsassisting system 1 is further comprised of the storage means 19 forstoring the pre-correction dentition image data 9, the post-correctionpredictive dentition image data 10, the teeth image data 16, and datashowing the results of respective position adjustment by theoverall-position adjusting means 15 and the tooth position adjustingmeans 18, respectively. Therefore, if the above-described various dataare once created by the orthodontics assisting system 1, those variousdata can be referred to in an ex-post manner. Thus, it is possible tosuitably assist the phased correction planning of orthodontics and thefabrication of orthodontic mouthpieces having various shapescorresponding to such phased correction planning.

It should be noted that the arranging device 6 may include bridgingarms, an X-direction shaft, and a Z-direction shaft which are of thetelescopic nested type, instead of the bridging arms 56 and 57, theX-direction shaft 58, and the Z-direction shaft 59.

The orthodontics assisting system 1 may include, instead of the indexmembers 4 and 5, an index member 203 having an annular plate-like body201 and projections 202 which are provided on the plate-like body 201and are semicircular as viewed from above, as shown in FIG. 11( a).Although the annular plate-like body 201 shown in FIG. 11( a) has atriangular annular shape, the plate-like body 201 may have, for example,a rectangular annular shape, a polygonal annular shape, a circularannular shape, or the like. Although the projections 202 arerespectively provided on three bent portions 204 of the triangularannular plate-like body 201 shown in FIG. 11( a), the projections 26 maybe provided instead of the projections 202. In addition, theorthodontics assisting system 1 may include, instead of the indexmembers 4 and 5, an index member 208 having a T-shaped plate-like body205 and projections 207 which are respectively provided on three endportions 206 of the plate-like body 205 and are circular as viewed fromabove. Although the plate-like body 205 shown in FIG. 11( b) has aT-shape, the plate-like body 205 may have, for example, a cruciformshape, in which case four projections 207 may be provided. Although theplate-like body 205 shown in FIG. 11( b) is provided with theprojections 207, the projections 26 or the projections 202 may beprovided thereon instead of the projections 207.

1-8. (canceled)
 9. An index member for indicating a reference positionof a pre-correction dentition model having a dentition shape beforeorthodontics or a post-correction predictive dentition model having apredictive dentition shape after orthodontics, said index membercomprising: a plate-like body; and a projection provided on theplate-like body.
 10. The index member according to claim 9, wherein saidprojection has a semispherical shape; a cylindrical shape; a prismaticshape; a hollow cylindrical shape; a square tubular shape; a conicalshape; a pyramidal shape; a truncated conical shape; or a truncatedpyramidal shape.
 11. The index member according to claim 9, wherein aplurality of projections are provided on the plate-like body.
 12. Theindex member according to claim 11, wherein said plurality ofprojections are aligned in a longitudinal direction of the plate-likebody.
 13. The index member according to claim 11, wherein said pluralityof projections are arranged in such a manner as to form a houndstoothcheck.